Seeking Temporary Car Insurance Options
Hey everyone! I’m an 18-year-old male living in NYC. My parents own a 2012 Chevy Avalanche, which my dad needs for work during the week, but this leads to some pretty high insurance costs—around $2500 a year. I got my license about a year ago, but I haven’t driven my parents’ car solo yet since I’ve been in college and haven’t needed to be on their policy.
This summer, I’d really like to start driving 2-3 times a week to visit friends and explore, especially since I have roughly 15 weeks of break coming up. However, my parents have Geico, and they don’t offer any temporary month-to-month or week-to-week insurance options. If I were to join their policy full-time, the cost could skyrocket to over $4,000 a year—yikes! If I drive for about 45 days over the summer, that averages out to nearly $35 a day just for insurance, not to mention the high gas costs for that truck.
I’ve also looked into rental options like Zipcar or Turo, but they’re really pricey too—Zipcars in my area can run upwards of $180 a day. That just seems too steep for what I want to do.
So, what are my options? Is it too much to ask to drive my family car for a fun summer without going broke? I’m open to any suggestions that won’t cost as much as a two-week trip to Europe! Thanks!
It sounds like you’re in a bit of a tough spot when it comes to driving and insurance costs. Here are a few potential options you might consider for your situation:
Add Yourself to Your Parents’ Insurance as a Occasional Driver: While you mentioned that full-time coverage would raise the cost significantly, you might want to explore getting added as an occasional driver instead of a full-time one. This could lower the premium, especially if you don’t plan to drive every day.
Look for a “Named Operator” Policy: Some insurers offer a policy specifically for named drivers who don’t have a regular vehicle. This could be more cost-effective than a full policy.
Short-Term Rental Companies: While you mentioned that Zipcar and Turo can be expensive, it might be worth checking out other short-term rental services or peer-to-peer options that could offer better rates. Some smaller companies might provide more competitive pricing, especially if you’re looking for a few rental days instead of a whole month.
Consider a Different Vehicle: If you’re mainly looking to drive for outings, see if you can borrow a smaller, more fuel-efficient car from a family or friend, if that’s an option. A smaller vehicle might have lower insurance rates and better gas mileage.
Insurance Comparisons: Spend some time comparing rates from different insurance companies. Sometimes switching to a different insurer or even bundling services can yield better rates.
Rideshare Services: Depending on your needs, you might consider using rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft for visits to friends, particularly if public transport isn’t convenient. This might end up cheaper than renting or insuring a vehicle.
Use Public Transportation: New York has great public transport. If you don’t need to drive every time, consider taking the subway or bus to visit friends.
Ultimately, it might take some research and comparison, but with a little effort you should be able to find a way to enjoy your summer without breaking the bank! Good luck!